Colorado individual health insurance premiums to rise 10% in 2027; Grand Junction area faces 15.5% increase

Coloradans who buy health insurance on the individual market rather than through an employer will see premiums rise about 10% in 2027, the state Department of Insurance announced Tuesday.

The increase varies by region. In the Grand Junction area, premiums are expected to climb 15.5%, while residents of the Eastern Plains will see the smallest increase at 5.9%. The state's average increase is below the 15% national median.

Small group market premiums are expected to rise 14% in 2027. The Department of Insurance said rates increase every year to some extent.

Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway said the loss of enhanced federal premium tax credits is driving pressure on rates. Congress failed to extend the subsidies, which helped people afford coverage on the individual marketplace established by the Affordable Care Act.

"Despite the loss of the enhanced premium tax credits, we are doing everything we can to keep health insurance prices down so Coloradans can afford access to health care," Conway said in a statement. "I want to thank our rate review team for all their hard work this filing season. Because of their diligence, we are saving Coloradans millions of dollars. But make no mistake: Congress still needs to restore the subsidies that millions of Americans relied on to afford their health insurance."

Colorado lawmakers passed a bill this year to fund a smaller state insurance subsidy. The Department of Insurance said financially assisted customers in Colorado will see a monthly premium increase of about $20, compared with about $69 per month without the state support.

Colorado's individual health insurance marketplace is called Connect for Health. Open enrollment begins Nov. 1.